Tanintharyi township continues to witness frequent clashes and airstrikes by the military junta, leading to a sharp increase in displaced persons in makeshift camps, and causing severe food shortages, according to humanitarian sources assisting those affected.
Due to fighting in the final week of August, over 700 temporary refugees from Chaukmaing, Seeinsu, Banlaw, and Htontaw villages have arrived at the “NwayOoMyintter” displacement camp. The total number of displaced persons at the camp now exceeds 1,000.
While the camp previously provided enough food for 15 days per person, supplies have dwindled, and currently, only one week’s worth of rations can be distributed, according to an aid worker at the camp.
“We can only distribute a minimal amount of rice now. Previously, we gave enough for 15 days, but now it’s barely five. Prices have also doubled—what used to cost 50kyats now costs 100kyats. It’s become impossible to purchase items. No rice deliveries are coming in, and the higher the prices go, the more difficult it gets to secure supplies. With the rainy season, even basic medicines like cough syrup are beyond reach. We’re running out of funds from the donations on our page,” the aid worker said.
In addition, the military junta has restricted the transport of food to Tanintharyi Township and surrounding areas, including Pulaw and Thayetchaung. This has further exacerbated food shortages in the displaced camps, forcing people to buy supplies at exorbitant prices, according to aid workers.
Fighting erupted in Chaukmaing village, Banlaw area, on August 26, lasting four days before the military retreated. However, frequent military patrols and airstrikes have prevented displaced villagers from returning home.
A female volunteer from NwayOoMyintter camp said “The military launched an offensive, there were gunfights, and artillery shelling. People from 6-Mile village couldn’t stay in their homes anymore and fled en masse. Fighter jets from Kyauk Lone Gyi have been dropping bombs, so it’s impossible to return. The military told us they’d take control, and now we have 14 villages filled with displaced people.”
Despite the lack of reduction in military operations, and the constant offensives being launched, the number of displaced persons in the region has now surged to over 63,600, according to a July report by the research group Fe 5 Tanintharyi.
The military junta has declared martial law in Tanintharyi Township, strictly blocking the transport of food and medicine, worsening the hardships faced by displaced populations in the region.
